Keysight Expands Startup Access to Its Chip Design Software

Partnership with MMEC brings ScaleBridge Labs nationwide for dual-use defense and commercial chip companies

Semiconductor startups working on dual-use defense and commercial technology often lack access to production-grade design software needed to move an idea from concept to prototype. Research identifies this as a significant financial barrier for early-stage firms. This slows the pace at which innovative technology reaches the market, at a time when strengthening the domestic semiconductor supply chain is a federal priority.

Keysight is addressing this gap by expanding its collaboration with the Midwest Microelectronics Consortium (MMEC). It’s a regional hub in a Department of Defense-sponsored network, the Microelectronics Commons, established under the 2022 CHIPS and Science Act. Startups selected for MMEC's ScaleBridge Labs incubator gain access to Keysight's electronic design automation (EDA) software and e-learning resources.

Alongside Keysight's software, ScaleBridge Labs connects startups to private investment and commercialization support across industries including defense and commercial applications.

“Semiconductor startups working on dual-use technology are tackling some of the industry’s hardest engineering problems, and access to advanced design tools shouldn't be what holds them back,” said Nilesh Kamdar, General Manager, Keysight EDA. “This partnership puts our suite of design software directly in the hands of startups shaping what's next for dual-use microelectronics.”

“Extending MMEC’s EDA relationship with Keysight beyond ME COMMONS accelerates our startup’s ability to address key warfighter challenges. In combination with MMEC’s DESIGN digital engineering platform and affiliate services, we close the loop on addressing the most important challenges facing startups today,” Paul Colestock, Director of Commercial Innovation and ScaleBridge Labs, Midwest Microelectronics Consortium.